Two men arrested in connection with New IRA in Strabane released following questioning

By Q Radio news

Two men who were arrested as part of a PSNI investigation into crime linked with the New IRA, have been released following questioning.

The arrests were made in the Strabane area yesterday, where five houses were also searched.

The two men aged 26 and 34 - were arrested in connection with recent attempted paramilitary-style attacks.

Two men aged 26 and 34, who were arrested yesterday as part of a PSNI investigation into crime linked with the New IRA, have been released following questioning.

Police say enquiries are continuing. pic.twitter.com/r1fV5WlYMO

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 5, 2020

Police have been investigating the recent attacks and a weapons find in the Strabane area earlier this year.

Yesterday, Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Hamlin said: “As part of the ongoing investigation into an improvised mortar device that was discovered in Church View, Strabane in September 2019, detectives today conducted a search of land in the greater Strabane area."

During the searches - by detectives from the PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit - a number of items were removed for further examination.

The two men arrested were questioned by police in the Musgrave Serious Crime Suite before being released this morning, enquiries are now continuing.

Chief Inspector Hamlin continued by saying, “The search and arrest operation over the last two days also focused on recent attempts to carry out violent attacks against people in the Strabane community.

“Our focus is on keeping the community safe and protecting them from the threat posed by these violent groups but we need the help of the public.

"I would strongly urge people to report any suspicions they have about dangerous and illegal activity in our community to police on 101 or alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous.”